Tag Archives: orbs

The August, Yallourn North Ghost Tour coincided with super moon. It was incredibly atmospheric, with an intimate crowd, a great night for a walk. Yallourn North was likened to Sheffield a small town in the UK.

A super moon rising

Cloudy Super moon

Thanks to Michael Spisto for the following photos. He has a radio program on Gippsland FM “Catching up with South Africa” every second Sunday evening at 6:30pm-8pm:

Yallourn North Primary School – Photo by Michael Spisto

There is an orb on the grass just below the chair. Photo by Michael Spisto

There is an orb close to leg of the tour participant. It was rather windy. Photo by Michael Spisto

by Michael Spisto

Orbs galore. Photo by Michael Spisto

We loved the supermoon, there are also orbs all over this photo taken at the corner of North Road and East Road, Photo by Michael Spisto

Photo by Michael Spisto

The disappearing/appearing orb in the tree on the far right. Photo by Michael Spisto

The disappearing/appearing orb in the tree on the far right. Photo by Michael Spisto

Here are the photos in chronological order from the ghost tour held in Yallourn North on the 13th of March 2015. There is some description with the photos. Please discuss them, and you can share them, please don’t remove the writing.

If you click on the first picture, you can click through all of them at the size I uploaded them. Instead of scrolling down this page.

Let me know what you think!

The sun setting in Yallourn North as the group gathers.

The ghost whisperer in front of the School’s blue stone fence.

Reserve St, going on into the road without name.

Ghost whisperer on the road to nowhere

Ghost whisperer, opposite third St, the road to nowhere, Yallourn North

Step one: Be skeptical. It’s hard but it’s for the best, and it helps build credibility.

Second step – look at the photos on the computer, try not to zoom in your phone as the screen is smaller and you may see something, that you won’t be able to stop seeing it, however, it may just be pixels and light. The phenomenon where we create meaning out of random stimulus is called pareidolia. This doesn’t mean that there isn’t such a thing as ghosts, they can be captured on film, but that’s not always the way they reveal themselves. Scents and sounds can’t be photographed although sounds may appear on a video.

The story behind the picture is a little important, however it is noted most full apparitions (that look like a person) aren’t experienced by the person taking the photograph or other subjects until later. It takes a lot of energy for the apparition to appear there is little else it can do, as we’ll explore when we look at the ‘pushy-ghost’ phenomenon or poltergeists they only appear as a blur on the footage, as though the energy is directed into affecting the natural world.

There are ways to check that photos haven’t been edited through programs such as http://www.symantec.com/business/support/index?page=content&id=TECH106828 and image edit software, that can breakdown the metadata of a photo.

Check shutter speed, and aperture. This is especially important as with a long exposure, and the subject not staying in the frame can cause them to appear opaque, it’s important to check the settings through the metadata (which is also available through image editing software).

Natural elements can cause ghost/spirit/orb phenomenon make sure you eliminate these reasons first:

– shiny or reflective surfaces (this is because this is kind of how lenses work, through mirrors and reflective surfaces)

– dusty

– moisture

– Hair wafting into the lense

– Smoke from off the camera

A little knowledge of some photographic principles:

Lens Flare is caused by light from outside the photo bouncing around the internal mechanism (including lenses) captured by the film or digital sensor.

Light from an outside light source, the angle and pinpointing light sources can help determine if it’s a lens flare, along with the angle.

Examples of lens flare:

This was captured at Moe Cemetery on the 4.03.15 by Kevin Bechaz from http://cinematicrandomness.blogspot.com.au/ – This if it is a spirit would be a great example of a capture. Other wise, it’s a beam of sunshine… or… lens flair?

Blurry photos are a result of low light, either increase the shutter speed or add flash or external light source. Be careful if you have a blurry photo saying there is something supernatural in it as it can be easily dismissed. This can also result from the photographer shaking. A lot of ghost photos are in clear photos with the only distortion as the apparition.

Low resolution results in pixelation or noise which looks like static over the picture.

The report is back on Ghost or Not. Find out who won the competition and a full report on the photos received at the Friday the 13th of February ghost tour.

If you missed it, I’ve been looking for feedback on some ‘ghost or not’ photos. This was a competition and Tabfoundry was charged with randomly selecting a winner. Congratulations to the winner Teagan C.

There was a mixed range of responses from my readers. I, thank-you all so much for your respectful responses, and of-course the pictures are still open to interpretation, but let me go through what I’ve analysed in relation to a whole range of information and research into ghost photos, are you ready to begin this journey with me? Well keep reading.

Firstly, what are the characteristics that determine a ghost captured on film vs a spirit, orb or other entity.

Ghosts are generally a carbon copy of the person as they were when they were alive. So, this includes things like height, build all being evident in some way, even if it’s a shadowy figure, there is at least height if no features. Ghosts can appear as solidly as a real person, on camera and in person.

This is one of the best examples of a ghost capture I’ve seen:

This photo was taken in the daytime, the lady captured wasn’t seen by the photographer until after she saw the photo. There is still debate surrounding this photo

One thing I was told early on that water is purifier and it’s harder for ghosts to come through. So, while it might be a dark and stormy night outside, its not generally where the ghosts are. I’m still interested in learning more about water wraiths and other paranormal events that people have experienced in the water.

There doesn’t seem to be a distinction of dimension on the photos I have like there is in the photograph on the left. If you compare these photos to others, you can see a clear distinction between the background and the ghost, even from the photos that have shadow people.

This is Karl’s twitter profile as of the 2.3.15

I also spoke to Karl Pfeiffer, it was on the day that darn dress trended and his comment made me think he could decipher a photo or two. Checking his profile after our conversation, I really had hit the trifecta. He is a photographer, ghost hunter and loves all things eerie. The conversation can be seen below. Karl, explained it’s where humans see patterns that are familiar to them out of random stimulus, it’s easier to find patterns on photos when you zoom in on them. I remember the photo was highly zoomed in, when I first saw the face. It was easy to see the face when I viewed on the laptop as I had seen it before, however other friends I sent it too couldn’t see the face.

@haunt_hills I don't really even see what's supposed to be the ghosts, so I'm gonna say pareidolia.

This is a picture of Ferguson Robert a number of photos were taken at the time with the same result. Also the “ghosted” man has dimension and different profile to Ferguson. I wonder who it was haunting him? (Source: http://www.spiritscienceandmetaphysics.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/ferguson-robert.jpg)

When I asked him about the picture, he said he wanted to see the area, which I’ve done but appears at the moment he’s on holidays but I’d love for him to comment back about potential entities, spirits and orbs in our photos.

This was captured at Moe Cemetery on the 4.03.15 by Kevin Bechaz from http://cinematicrandomness.blogspot.com.au/ – This if it is a spirit would be a great example of a capture. Other wise, it’s a beam of sunshine… or… most likely a lens flair, a very coincidental lens flair, leaving a lot of thoughts of symbolism.

I’m new to deciphering the visual language of the spirit world. So, I’m putting it out to the people.

In conclusion, I have to say the photos from ghost or not, aren’t trophy ghost photos. While these may be spirits trying to communicate it’s more likely they’re patterns in the rock,light and raindrops that form the pattern of a face, in the light of the camera. We’ll keep trying, ghosts are everywhere. I’ll post a blog with some tips on how to get a good capture.

I also think locations, such as the “road to nowhere” may have more success, Halls Bay (Fernlea Road), try North Road still, the lights dimmed as we walked past that could just be the globes going on the street lights but without a lantern (it’s hard when it’s a toss up between light or dry) that night leading the way I sure noticed. Without intruding on private land I’d also recommend trying Quarry Road. Other options I was told was Haunted Hills Road, near the cemetery and the corner of Haunted Hills and Bill Shultz road. Again a lot of spirits and ghosts aren’t stuck in a particular area.

I’d love to hear from local photographers – do you keep your “ruined” photos?

As always thanks so much for all your feedback and conversations, its heaps of fun. You can keep the conversation going on Facebook or here, I read all the comments. (I do verify and approve all comments that aren’t spam – the website is just over 3 months old and I’ve been inundated with spam).

I’m new to deciphering the visual language of the spirit world. So, I’m putting it out to the people.

At the very first Yallourn North Ghost Tour, I was shown some photos on a phone that looked amazing. Of course, I was really jazzed that I might have found evidence of ghosts on my first tour. It had been a great night, everybody was really complimentary afterward and it was spine tingling delicious icing on the cake. I was a little bewildered because couldn’t pick reasons for ghosts to be in those places. (But maybe I’m over thinking it and the ghosts go where they please.) I received the photos by email and had a look tried to get some feedback on them, and was asked for photos of the area, which is a good question. So I’ve included those here for you to look through as well. (This is a picture heavy page). But it is hopefully everything you need to know to make up your mind about the photos.

(Right at the bottom are more photos, check them out I might have missed something, and I’d love your opinion.)

The first picture on the meme above is cropped, and the full picture of it looks like this: (without being stretched) It looks like a man wearing a hat, is it a trick of light or a spirit manifesting? This photo was taken on the War Memorial (made of rock) at Yallourn North, two women were taking pictures of the rock that was wet, and has a yellow light at the bottom, other photos on Haunted Hills Tours have photos of the memorial

The full file of the photo of the above picture

The second full file of the photo of the above picture

Is this a spirit photo? Taken on North Road, the place where I talk about the haunted houses in Yallourn North and a ghastly finding on Quarry Road.

This is a park on North Road, Yallourn North, that has a seat and plenty of space to play marbles as residents remember doing when they were kids. This is a daytime picture of the above possible or not ghost pic.

I’m not sure if this is a camera effect or orb? Another photo to debunk/prove anyone? (Thanks Rod for this photo)

The lighting here is awesome and we should remember those who keep us safe and expand to our other stories. So, many people in Yallourn North went to war, and some are mentioned in the stories that haunt us.

Is this a spirit photo? Taken on North Road, the place where I talk about the haunted houses in Yallourn North and a ghastly finding on Quarry Road.

The full file of the photo of the above picture

The full file of the photo of the above picture

The first picture on the meme above is cropped, and the full picture of it looks like this: (without being stretched) It looks like a man wearing a hat with a shirt, is it a trick of light or a spirit manifesting? This photo was taken on the War Memorial (that is made of rock) at Yallourn North, two ladies were taking pictures of the rock that was wet, and has a yellow light at the bottom, other photos on Hautned Hills Tours have photos of the memorial

If you’re entering the competition things you need to know apart from all those deets above!

Help me decipher these photos. Tell me, if the following pictures are spirits or ghosts or not in the comments below to win a Yallourn North Ghost Tour Ticket for the 13.03.15! Follow these steps to enter:

1. Write why its a ghost or not in the comments below
2. Confirm your entry here: http://tab.fo/9whf2fs (+ see rules)

We will pick the best comment on Sunday 8 March 2015, 7:50 pm and contact the winner through the email. Find detailed rules in the link above.

You can comment without going in the competition – as to enter the draw you must follow this link http://tab.fo/9whf2fs.

If you want more information, which no doubt you do, see my blog and read all about it first and then come back here and comment – http://hauntedhillstours.com/2015/02/27/ghost-or-not (that is this page – so clicking it will link you back here – but it’s on the Facebook post and I thought it prudent to record what I do fully)

2. Employees of Haunted Hills Tours or their family members or anyone else connected in any way with the competition or helping to set up the competition shall not be permitted to enter the competition.

3. There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this competition.

4. Route to entry for the competition and details of how to enter: You must connect through Facebook for more information Closing date for entry will be 08.03.15. After this date the no further entries to the competition will be permitted. No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received for whatever reason. The rules of the competition and the prize for each winner are as follows: Further information can be found at: http://hauntedhillstours.com/

5. In order to win you must be able to attend the Ghost Tour on the 13.03.15 at 8pm in Yallourn North, Victoria.

6. The promoter reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition and these terms and conditions without notice in the event of a catastrophe, war, civil or military disturbance, act of God or any actual or anticipated breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other event outside of the promoter’s control. Any changes to the competition will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by the promoter. The promoter is not responsible for inaccurate prize details supplied to any entrant by any third party connected with this competition.

7. No cash alternative to the prizes will be offered. The prizes are not transferable. Prizes are subject to availability and we reserve the right to substitute any prize with another of equivalent value without giving notice. Winners will be chosen: as a result of a vote conducted via this application as measured and recorded by Tabfoundry’s software. The winner will be notified by email within 2 days of the closing date. If the winner cannot be contacted or do not claim the prize within 3 days of notification, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the winner and pick a replacement winner. The promoter will notify the winner when and where the prize can be collected. The promoter’s decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.

8. By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions. The winner agrees to the use of his/her name and image in any publicity material.

Any personal data relating to the winner or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current Australian data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent. Entry into the competition will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions.

9. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You are providing your information to Haunted Hills Tours and not to any other party. The information provided will be used in conjunction with the following Privacy Policy